My name is Keira. I am 11 years old and 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. 

Since then I have experienced symptoms associated with my condition such as: diarrhoea, blood loss, tummy pain, painful joints and feeling tired.

In the last year, as a side effect of my medicines, I suffered with many infections. I also had septicaemia and blood clots in my lungs.

At the moment I take many tablets and I have to have a injection and blood tests every fortnight.

In February this year my doctor told me I have tried all of the medicines available to me and as I am still not well the only thing left to try is surgery. 

In May, 11 days after World IBD Day, I will be having my large bowel removed and this will mean I have to have an ileostomy. 

I try not to let this get me down. I try to stay positive. Hopefully the surgery will make me feel better. 

The charity Crohns and Colitis UK have been a big help to me and my family. They provide information and support for people like me.  The free pens are a bonus too!

Last year on world IBD day I organised "purple day" and, with the support of the local community, raised a lot of money for CCUK. Most importantly I got the whole town talking about IBD raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

On World IBD Day this year (19th May) I would love to do the same. I'm pretty sure I won't raise the £4000 I raised last year but every little counts. 

I am encouraging people to wear something purple on the day and make a small donation to show your support for myself and others diagnosed with IBD. 

I am also holding a raffle, selling purple wristbands and organising other purple related activities to raise more funds.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and II really hope you will support me

Keira 

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